'Village Green Revolution' promised by Milton Keynes Conservatives

Sammy Jones

Well used-green spaces will be given the best protection possible from unwanted and inappropriate housing developments under a Conservative run Council, according to the party.

Milton Keynes Conservatives have pledged to start a village green revolution to support residents and communities across Milton Keynes should they take control of the Council this May.

Village green status can include green spaces that are used for sports and recreation, dog walking and community events. It gives an additional layer of protection against inappropriate planning applications. The Conservatives have said that any green space that fits the relevant criteria and are put forward with the support of communities will be voluntary registered.

The Labour-Liberal Partnership Council has been fighting residents in areas such as Woolstone, Springfield and Stantonbury for almost two years, attempting to block village green applications, spending £100,000s of taxpayers money in the process.

Leader of the Conservatives in Milton Keynes, councillor Alex Walker said: "This will make a huge difference for communities in all grid squares of Milton Keynes who are continuously worrying about when the next housing development will be proposed on their local green space.

"One of the best things about Milton Keynes is our abundance of well used green space. We should support residents who want to protect their community not fight them."

Conservative candidate for Campbell Park and Old Woughton Terry Baines added: "It's a simple choice at this election, vote Conservative and protect the green spaces we love or go into battle every week with a Labour - Lib Dem Council that is determined to take them away."

The announcement comes on the week MK Council finally gave in to residents and granted a number of village greens in Woolstone, Springfield, Bletchley and Stantonbury.